Standing barely over nine inches tall, Rocco is an endearing, exuberant scamp whose straight-legged prance could charm even the most serious of souls. This spirited pandemic puppy, born in Sheet Harbour, turns five this July. His mom, Sara, found him online as a 10-week-old chihuahua, Maltese, and Yorkie mix, and jumped at the chance to bring him home.
True to his Leo nature, Rocco enjoys displays of leadership, especially in his own backyard. He’s quick to chase anything that dares to visit his lawn, from geese and deer, to majestic bald eagles. Yet, he’s also quick to show a more reserved side; he can be exclusive about receiving pets and spooks at the smallest unexpected event, like a leaf landing on his back.
While Rocco might take a while to warm up to new people, he’s unreserved in showing affection to his inner circle, especially Nan, Phoebe, Loki, and his Lunenburg dog park buddies, Timmy and Eddy. He also loves visiting the bookstore and enjoys his breakfast in the backyard of his mom’s cafe, No. 9, where he can be seen graciously accepting tidbits from other patrons’ plates. His favorite foods are salmon and treats. As a South Shore pup, he adores swimming and boat trips, and he’s a surprisingly brave boogie boarder, even hopping between paddleboards during rides.
Sara initially hoped Rocco’s small stature would make him an ideal airplane companion, but he quickly disabused her of that notion. Rocco rejects air travel completely in favor of a good road trip, having comfortably sat in his little car basket all the way to Montreal and New York City. He loves a cozy spot and prefers to sleep in late under a pile of blankets, though he’s perfectly capable of staying up until the early morning, often trying to convince his mom of the joy of a 3 AM walk.
Named after a petite Italian man Sara once knew, Rocco truly lives up to the flair, sass, and class of his flamboyant name.
